15 Beautiful Beaded Wedding Dresses for Every Type of Bride

By
Chloe Caldwell
Chloe Caldwell Headshot
Chloe Caldwell
Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides. Her editorial work has been seen in Uproxx, Thrillist, TripSavvy, FabFitFun, and more, with additional experience in social media management, content creation, copywriting, and on-camera hosting for various lifestyle brands.
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and
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes

Stephanie Montes is a Los Angeles-based fashion and beauty writer with a decade of experience. Most notably, Stephanie served as the beauty director at Zoe Media Group for three-and-a-half years.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 06/26/23 06:46PM
A woman in a beaded wedding dress standing in a sandy landscape

Courtesy of Eisen-Stein

For brides who love a little extra glitz and glam, beaded wedding dresses make an excellent choice for your day-of wedding ensemble. According to bridal stylist Julie Sabatino, "beaded wedding dresses are a fantastic option for more formal occasions, as beaded work gives the dress an elevated style that can be really beautiful in a formal wedding."

While bead-adorned dresses are appropriate for formal gatherings, beads can also add elegant texture and eye-catching details to any style of dress—whether you want an adorable mini for your courthouse ceremony or a standout ballgown for your black-tie affair.

If beaded dresses dominate your wedding Pinterest board, Sabatino recommends looking for styles with stylish patterns, that are comfortable, and that won't weigh you down too much. With this expert insight in mind, we researched the best options available. We made our final selection based on beading designs, materials, price points, and overall quality.

Read on for the best beaded wedding gowns for every bridal style, formality, and budget,

01 of 15

Best Back Detail: Azazie Cersei BG

dress

Courtesy of Azazie

Size Range: 0-30 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Chiffon

Elegant and timeless, this gown offers old Hollywood glamor with some modern flair. We especially love the beaded cap sleeves and back detailing that are sure to impress your guests as you make your way down the aisle.

Price at time of publish: $419

02 of 15

Best Off-the-Shoulder Option: Lulus Promised Love White Beaded Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

beaded wedding dress

Courtesy of Lulus

Size Range: 2-10 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Stretch knit, Lace

Look drop-dead gorgeous in this striking—and affordable—gown from Lulus. The off-the-shoulder straps, classic sweetheart neckline, intricate beadwork, and mermaid silhouette make this dress incredibly romantic. We can picture it at a stunning garden or winery venue.

Price at time of publish: $369

03 of 15

Best Subtle Details: Watters Tilly Strapless Corset Front-Slit Wedding Gown

watters beaded slit gown

Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16| Length: Full-length | Shipping: Polyester

For just a hint of beaded embellishments, opt for the simple yet stunning silhouette by Watters. The sultry corset bodice is adorned with a mixture of pretty beads, and it's complemented beautifully by the high-slit and flattering wrap skirt.

Price at time of publish: $1,895

04 of 15

Best Midi: Mac Duggal Natalie V-Neck Beaded Embroidered Sleeveless Midi Dress

mac duggal beaded embroidered midi dress

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Midi-length | Materials: Polyester, mesh

For the rehearsal dinner, after-party, or even the ceremony, this bead-embellished midi can do no wrong. The asymmetrical shoulder bow and floral patterns create a romantic and feminine feel, while the body-skimming fit and sleek deep V-neckline make it modern and fun.

Price at time of publish: $538

05 of 15

Best Understated: Amsale Tomlin Gown

Tomlin Gown

Amsale

Size Range: Made to order | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk

For a traditional bridal look with just a touch of beaded flair, opt for this understated style from Amsale. The strapless bodice and A-line silhouette offer timeless elegance at its finest, while the back cut-out and hand beaded appliqué bows offer a sweet surprise.

Price at time of publish: $6,995

06 of 15

Best Long-Sleeves: Dana Harel Sasha Dress

dress

Courtesy of Dana Harel

Size Range: Contact brand for sizes | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Chantilly lace, Tulle

Hosting a winter wonderland wedding? This dress couldn't be more perfect for a holiday or New Year's Eve wedding. The sparkling long sleeves, dramatic deep V-neckline, modern mermaid silhouette, and illusion details make this number a standout pick.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

07 of 15

Best All-Over Beads: BHLDN Theodora Beaded Lace V-Neck Wedding Gown

BHLDN Theodora Beaded Lace V-Neck Wedding Gown

Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester crepe

Go bold with beads from head to toe! The stunning Theodora gown from BHLDN features intricate beaded detailing with a beautiful lace underlay for a look that boasts both traditional and modern styles. We also love the deep V-neckline and low-back for an unexpected touch.

Price at time of publish: $1,995

08 of 15

Most Romantic: Markarian Evora Pearl Beaded Lace Gown with Large Detachable Bow

dress

Courtesy of Markarian

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Beaded lace

Take your wedding look to the next level with a stunning oversized bow. This ultra-romantic and feminine dress is a certified showstopper thanks to its exaggerated bow back, and gorgeous all-over beading. Your soon-to-be spouses jaw will be on the floor.

Price at time of publish: $8,150

09 of 15

For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Milla Nova Irina Gown

dress

Courtesy of Milla Nova

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Full-length | Materials: Contact brand

Calling all brides who aren't afraid to make a statement—this one is for you! This bold and eye-catching stunner offers a bit of vintage flair combined with modern trends. The fully beaded, semi-transparent material is both sexy and sleek, and the turtleneck and long sleeves play on traditional silhouettes.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

10 of 15

Best Mini: Amsale LW202 Floral Sheath Dress

Amsale LW202 Floral Sheath Dress

Amsale

Size Range: Made to order | Length: Mini-length | Materials: Sheath

This beautiful beaded mini from Amsale has "after-party" written all over it. Featuring hand beaded 3D floral embellishments and sweet cap sleeves, it's sure to catch the light from every angle while you twirl on the dance floor.

Price at time of publish: $2,475

11 of 15

Most Striking: Wtoo by Watters Brooks Strapless Beaded Tulle Wedding Gown

Anthropologie Wtoo by Watters Brooks Strapless Beaded Tulle Wedding Gown

Anthropologie

Size Range: 00-15 | Length: Full-length | Materials: Tulle

Fit for a glamorous bride at a black-tie affair, this dazzling dress speaks for itself. From the eye-catching beadwork to the structured strapless neckline and stunning tulle illusion back, this dress is something your guests will be talking about long after the wedding day is done.

Price at time of publish: $1,895

12 of 15

Best Rhinestones: Lulus True Love White Beaded Rhinestone Maxi Dress

rhinestone wedding dress

Courtesy of Lulus

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Full-length | Materials: Polyester

Just as the name suggests, this dress is an excellent choice for saying "I do" to your one true love. The mesh bodice is beautifully crafted with rhinestones, sequins, and iridescent beads that are sure to sparkle luxuriously under the venue lights.

Price at time of publish: $276

13 of 15

Best Embellishments: Mac Duggal Sequin Leaf Mermaid Gown

Silver Sequin Leaf Mermaid Gown

Nordstrom

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Full-length | Materials: Polyester

This eye-catching gown by Mac Duggal is the definition of the "wow factor." Covered with sparkling beads and sequins in an alluring leaf pattern, this stunner is perfectly on point for a garden wedding surrounded by flowers and greenery.

Price at time of publish: $498

14 of 15

Most Unique: Amsale Zora Gown

Amsale Zora Gown

Amsale

Size Range: Made to order | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Tulle

If bridal white isn't your style, opt for something more unique like this blush beauty from Amsale. The impressive ballgown features hand-beaded details and 3D floral embellishments. Plus, the ruched tulle bodice is both romantic and flattering.

Price at time of publish: $7,200

15 of 15

For the After-Party: Retrofete Rubina Dress

rubina dress

Revolve

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Mini-length | Materials: Polyester, Lycra

Strut your stuff in this sparkling mini dress that's worthy of a Gatsby-like after-party. It features crystal and bead embellishments that add eye-catching details, as well as a feather trim for a fun and flirty touch.

Price at time of publish: $995

What to Look for When Shopping for a Beaded Wedding Dress

Design and comfort

Sabatino recommends, first and foremost, looking for a beaded wedding gown that fits your personal style and tastes. "Find a beading pattern that you really like and enjoy," she says. "The second key is to find something that feels comfortable and doesn't scratch your skin or create any sort of rubbing or irritation." To ensure a more comfortable fit, Sabatino also suggests choosing a beaded wedding dress that is not too heavy to wear or schlep around all night. You want to feel comfortable and confident from the aisle to the dance floor!

Subtle accessories

Less is more when it comes to styling a beaded wedding dress, as it already has tons of eye-catching details. "In terms of styling, you should keep it simple," Sabatino says. "Because beading can be so ornate, you don't want to do too many things at once. I would keep the accessories and jewelry minimal."

FAQ
  • Are beaded wedding dresses more expensive?

    Beaded wedding dresses may sometimes come with a higher price tag—especially if the beading is done by hand. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly beaded wedding dresses out there that look just as luxurious as other expensive brands. Consider shopping from bridal retailers like Etsy, Lulus, and Azazie to find gorgeous bridal styles that won't break your wedding budget.

  • Are beaded wedding dresses appropriate for black-tie weddings?

    Definitely! According to Sabatino, "beaded dresses are really for black tie weddings or formal weddings, for the most part. A rule of thumb I always use is that the bride should feel as dressed as her guests, if not more dressed than her guests." She adds, "if it's possible that guests would come in a beaded gown, then having a beaded wedding dress would be very appropriate and would help elevate the formality level.

Meet the Expert

Julie Sabatino is a bridal stylist and the founder of The Stylish Bride, which helps brides express their personal style through the fashion elements of their wedding.

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has more than five years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, and wellness.

Stephanie Montes writes about beauty and fashion and has worked at Women's Wear Daily, Allure, and The Zoe Report. For this article, we interviewed Stephanie Gottlieb, a celebrity jewelry designer and founder of her eponymous fine jewelry brand.

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